The guiding documents of the new Commission and the first interventions of the Commissioners in their parliamentary hearings point to a strengthening of the EU’s position towards China. Key takeaways: Von der Leyen’s assertive views on China will likely continue into her second term in the Commission. Among the Commissioners, the “Four on China” are… Continue reading Embracing systemic rivalry: the new European Commission’s plans for EU-China relations
As authoritarianism rises, the EU and ASEAN face mounting challenges in maintaining unity and upholding fundamental values amidst internal discord and external pressures. Key takeaways: Hungary’s defiance of EU law, particularly in areas of human rights and democratic governance, has created significant tension within the EU, undermining its unity and forcing the bloc to consider… Continue reading EU and ASEAN must act to preserve unity amid authoritarian onslaughts
The South African government has called on Taiwan to relocate its representative office from the capital, Pretoria, to the commercial center of Johannesburg. While the South African government denies such claims, this shift is widely attributed to pressure from China. Since Tsai Ing-wen assumed office in 2016, Beijing has intensified efforts to undermine Taiwan’s official… Continue reading Why South Africa ordered Taiwan’s Office relocation—and paths to resolve the standoff
Taiwan faces an urgent challenge in balancing its energy security, climate goals, and high-tech industrial growth as it approaches the 2025 deadline for decommissioning its last nuclear power plant. Key takeaways: Taiwan’s commitment to a nuclear-free homeland and achieving net-zero emissions conflicts with its growing energy demands, driven by high-tech industries such as semiconductors and… Continue reading Taiwan between the nuclear phase out and tech growth goals
Taiwan, as a non-United Nations (UN) member, is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention—key international treaty that defines who qualifies as a refugee, their rights, and the legal obligations of states to protect them. It also lacks a domestic refugee law. Consequently, individuals seeking protection—whether self-identified refugees or those already recognized by the… Continue reading Taiwan’s attempts to enact an asylum law: navigating politics, public opinion, and human rights
